YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES--(Marketwired - July 29, 2015) - Federal consultations to define the boundaries of the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve are a crucial next step for the Dene community of Lutsel K'e to see its conservation vision materialize.

Wetlands dominate the 14,000 square kilometer site for the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve (pronounced: Th-eye-den-nay Nen-nay) on the east arm of Great Slave Lake. It's a landscape defined by water. Thousands of ducks, geese and swans start their lives here each year alongside a vast array of other wildlife.

"Waterfowl from all over North America come to this region to raise their young," said Kevin Smith, manager of Ducks Unlimited Canada's (DUC) national boreal program. "It also holds key habitat for hundreds of other species, from marten to caribou."

Smith says multi-stakeholder collaboration that is led by First Nations is the key to conservation in the boreal forest. DUC looks forward to seeing both the territorial and federal discussions around the community's vision for Thaidene Nëné advance.

"Consensus-based conservation is as much a feature of the Northwest Territories today as its natural beauty," said Smith. "Innovative solutions for the creation of protected areas, like the one in the works for Thaidene Nëné, ensure northern communities thrive and maintain their natural and cultural heritage."

Protecting large landscapes in the boreal maintains key waterfowl habitat and the ecological function of the forest as a whole. Starting dialogue on the boundaries will position Thaidene Nëné to be a significant piece of a protected network that spans the region.

"We look forward to seeing the park solidify through these consultations and others that are ongoing," said Smith. "Moving forward with the protection of Thaidene Nëné is a welcome step for waterfowl and great news for the people of Lutsel K'e."

Canada's boreal forest is a top priority for Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) due to its central role as breeding grounds for waterfowl from all across the continent. DUC's goal is to conserve enough wetland habitat to sustain 11 million waterfowl in the region through a balance of protection and sustainable development.

Supporting the creation of protected areas such as Thaidene Nëné is a key part of that vision. DUC looks forward to progress on other areas in the Northwest Territories such as the Ramparts National Wildlife Area.

DUC is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at ducks.ca.